Download Honors Greek Mythology Research Project

Name:
Teacher:
Class:
Date:
In conjunction with our reading of The Odyssey, we will spend a week doing background research on
Greek Mythology. “Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own
language cannot be understood and appreciated,” Thomas Bulfinch once said so eloquently. Therefore,
each of you will be writing a research paper on a Greek god, goddess, mythological person, hero, or
monster. Research material will then be presented to the class in an oral presentation (see next page).
Learning Target: I will demonstrate ________________________ of a _____________________ by
_________________________________ a ____________________________________________ that
__________________________________________________________________________________.
I.
Topic – You will choose your topic in class and may exchange topics with another class
member only during the time allotted by your teacher. Once the time has run out, you are responsible
for researching the topic you end up with. No Exceptions!
My Topic Is: _______________________________________________________
II.
Research – All research will be conducted in class using resources provided by your
teacher. Resource materials must stay in class and cannot be taken home. Thus, it is important not to
be absent during research days and to be on task at all times in class. When you have finished your
research, you will turn in note cards to be graded
(18 cards minimum).
III.
Paper – Your paper must be written in MLA format (details will be provided). It must be
typed, 12-point font, double-spaced, and contain indented paragraphs. Research information must be
organized into the following sections:
1. Biography (8-10 complete sentences) – Provide thorough background information
about your topic. Parents? Siblings? Marriages? Where is he/she/it from? Where does he/she/it
live? Mention special talents, skills, or traits. Does your topic have any weaknesses or areas that
cause them trouble? You must include at least one direct quotation in this section.
2. Power and Domain (5-7 complete sentences) – Describe what your topic ruled or
had control over. You must include at least one direct quotation in this section.
3. Symbols (5-7 complete sentences) – Choose at least two symbols associated with your
topic and explain how they relate. These can be directly mentioned in your research or inferred.
You must include at least one direct quotation in this section.
4. Myth (8-10 complete sentences) – Include a summary of one myth connected to your
topic. This can be a story that connects your topic to another mythological character or one that
explains why your topic is well known. You must include at least one direct quotation in
this section.
5. Application (5-7 complete sentences) – Someone once said, “A myth is an image in
terms of which we try to make sense of the world.” With that said, how does your character and
myth apply to today’s world? What can we learn from your character or myth? Offer thoughtful
insight into lessons learned.
IV.
Works Cited Page – The Works Cited Page is a list of all the sources used to help you
V.
Presentation – You will present your topic orally to the class. The presentation will
research and create your paper (see example Works Cited Page). We will discuss how to format this in class and
you will use an online application to help you correctly format this page.
be made up of three parts:
1. Top Ten List – You will create a list of the ten most interesting things we should know about your
topic and you will share them with the class through a technology presentation (more details to follow).
2. Poem – You will compose a 20-line poem using all of the information you have learned about your topic.
This poem will be read to the class. Although the poem does not have to rhyme, it would be preferred.
3. Presentation – You will be presenting your Top Ten List and your Poem through the usage of an online
presentation tool called Prezi. You must incorporate vivid pictures and key ideas about your topic in your
presentation. You must also bring each member of the class a “goodie” on the day of your presentation.
“Goodies” should relate to your presentation topic (ie. Warheads for Ares, Swedish Fish for Poseidon, Sweet
Tarts for Aphrodite, etc.). Be creative.
Both the Top Ten List and the Poem must be typed and included on a single-sided letter size sheet of
paper. A colorful picture of your topic + a bold title for your topic must also be included.
8
Stellar
7
Good
6
Adequate
5
Inadequate
18 Note Cards: Properly formatted with a direct
quotation or summary/paraphrase, Slug Word, Source
Name, and Page Number.
Cover: List of 10 facts. 20-line poem. Colorful picture of
topic.
MLA Formatting: Proper heading, creative title,
12-point font, double-spaced, indented paragraphs, header,
parenthetical citations
Works Cited Page: Title centered on page, correctly
formatted, alphabetized, double-spaced, 12 pt font
Biography: Provides background information about
your topic. 8-10 sentences. Direct quote
included.
Power & Domain: Description about what your topic
ruled or had control over. 5-7 sentences. Direct
quote included.
Symbols: Description of at least two symbols
associated with your topic. 5-7 sentences. Direct
quote included.
Summary Of Myth: Summary about one myth
connected to your topic. 8-10 sentences. Direct
quote included.
Application: Explanation of how the topic can be
related to our world today. 5-7 sentences.
Conventions: Correct spelling and punctuation
Oral Presentation - Content: 10 interesting and
insightful facts + 10 vivid pictures. Informative 20-line
poem.
Oral Presentation - Delivery: Clear, audible
speaking voice. Eye contact. Goodie for the class.
Incorporated a Technology Resource.
Total
/96 points